Latest Ancap Crash Test Results Available

Latest Ancap Crash Test Results Available From AA

Car buyers can obtain the results of the latest Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash tests from the Automobile Association.

The results, which were released in Australia yesterday, report on the safety performance of four small vehicles - the Daewoo Nubira, the Daihatsu Lanos, the Daihatsu Sirion, and the Mazda 323 (also sold as the Ford Laser).

They are the first crash test results to be released since the New Zealand Automobile Association formally joined the ANCAP group.

“The results show that small cars have improved their safety performance,” the Association’s General Manager of Technical Services, Bob Lewis, said today.

“The best results came from the Daihatsu Sirion and Mazda 323/Ford Laser, both of which achieved a rating of three out of four possible stars. The Daewoo Nubira rated two stars and the Daewoo Lanos rated one star.”

Mr Lewis said that while it was pleasing to see improvements in the safety performance of some small cars, there was still a need for progress in some models.

Information is also available on similar crash tests on small vehicles conducted by the European NCAP. In these tests the Audi A3, Mercedes A 140, and VW Golf received a rating of four stars, while the Peugeot 306 received a three star rating.

Mr Lewis said each vehicle model tested in the Australian NCAP was subjected to an offset crash test into a barrier, a side impact test, and a pedestrian impact test.

“In the offset frontal test the car is driven into a crushable barrier at 64km/h which makes contact with 40% of the front of the car. This simulates colliding with another vehicle.

“The side impact test consists of running a 950kg trolley into the driver’s side of the vehicle at 50km/h. The trolley has a crushable aluminium face to simulate the front of another vehicle.

“The pedestrian impact test estimates injuries to pedestrians struck by a vehicle travelling at 40km/h.”

Mr Lewis said the value of ANCAP’s testing programme was highlighted by the fact that the latest results showed improvements in safety standards, and that lower cost cars such as the Daihatsu Sirion could achieve a three star result.

“We believe our involvement in this scheme is very important and we look forward to providing consumers with valuable information when they are making decisions about what vehicle to purchase.

Copies of the latest ANCAP crash test reports for small cars can be obtained by contacting any AA Technical Centre.
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For further information:
Bob Lewis George Fairbairn
GM - Technical Services Director - Public Affairs
NZAA NZAA
Ph: (09) 357-9909 Ph: (04) 470-9984 (DDI)
Ph: (025) 275 9322 (mobile) Ph: (04) 389-6529 (Home)

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